Shepherd's Way Day School  is among the first child development centers in North Carolina to work in cooperation with an "Eden Alternative" retirement community.  This integrated approach to care brings together elders, children, plants and animals in close and continuing contact.  Shepherd's Way partners with Cross Road Retirement Community to create an environment where your child will have opportunities to interact and build relationships through regularly scheduled time and activities with the retirement residents.

Artist:  Edi Smith     Murals and More     (336) 601-5775     smithedke@aol.com

The residents and the children delight in the time they spend together.  

• Elderly residents visit and read to our children and rock the infants.

• Field trips, to see spring flowers, attend a Warthogs game or visit the Pumpkin Patch, are made involving both groups in the fun.  

• Nature walks to the Cross Roads pond to feed the ducks allow priceless interaction between toddlers and Cross Roads residents.  



• Our children perform in a talent show and their senior audience applauds with wonder and appreciation.

• Children create art for residents to hang on their doors.

• Residents give parties for the children.

• Children and residents work on a quilt together.

• Parents, children and residents enjoy a covered-dish supper.

• Seniors teach children the art of gardening as they plant and grow flowers together.

These are just a few of the activities that our children and senior residents have enjoyed.  Activities and trips are scheduled regularly.